Kirkland & Ellis Biggest Winner In United Bankruptcy

Law360, New York (January 23, 2006, 12:00 AM EST) -- As bankrupt United Airlines Corp. emerges from Chapter 11 protection, it has become clear the biggest winner in the debacle is not the airline or its workers’ unions, but the law firm that oversaw the reorganization.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP, United's Chicago-based law firm, has billed the number-two carrier in the United States for nearly $85 million, according to research of court documents conducted by the Chicago Sun Times.

The astounding sum includes $79 million in fees and $5.9 million in expenses. Of course that may...